Tea at Trianon: Discover Minerve

John Wilson Croker on Marie-Antoinette

"We have followed the history of Marie Antoinette with the greatest diligence and scrupulosity. We have lived in those times. We have talked with some of her friends and some of her enemies; we have read, certainly not all, but hundreds of the libels written against her; and we have, in short, examined her life with– if we may be allowed to say so of ourselves– something of the accuracy of contemporaries, the diligence of inquirers, and the impartiality of historians, all combined; and we feel it our duty to declare, in as a solemn a manner as literature admits of, our well-matured opinion that every reproach against the morals of the queen was a gross calumny– that she was, as we have said, one of the purest of human beings."

~from History of the Guillotine by John Wilson Croker, 1844

Edmund Burke on Marie-Antoinette

"It is now sixteen or seventeen years since I saw the queen of France, then dauphiness, at Versailles; and surely there never lighted on this orb, which she hardly seemed to touch, a more delightful vision. I saw her just above the horizon, decorating and cheering the elevated sphere she had just begun to move in, glittering like a morning star full of life and splendor and joy. Oh, what a revolution....Little did I dream that I should have lived to see such disasters fall upon her, in a nation of gallant men, in a nation of men of honor and of cavaliers! I thought ten thousand swords must have leaped from their scabbards, to avenge even a look which threatened her with insult. But the age of chivalry is gone; that of sophisters, economists, and calculators has succeeded...."

~Edmund Burke, October 1790

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Discover Minerve

From World Day:

Perched atop a rocky spur where the Brian and Cesse rivers converge, Minerve stands as a testament to France’s medieval past. This hidden gem in the Languedoc region isn’t just another picturesque village; it’s a geological marvel, a historical enigma, and a haven for those seeking to step back in time. With its natural bridges carved by millennia of flowing water and a tragic history that echoes through its narrow streets, Minerve captivates visitors with a blend of natural beauty and human resilience. As you stand on the edge of the limestone plateau, gazing down at the gorges below, you’ll understand why this village has been captivating travelers for centuries.
Minerve’s unique geography is its first marvel. The village sits on a natural fortress, surrounded by deep gorges that have been carved into the limestone over millions of years. These gorges, reaching depths of up to 200 feet, create a natural moat around the village, making it an impregnable stronghold in medieval times. Today, they offer breathtaking views and hiking opportunities for the adventurous traveler.

The most spectacular features of Minerve’s landscape are its natural bridges. The Pont Grand and Pont Petit span the gorges, testament to the relentless power of water erosion. These bridges, formed as the rivers carved tunnels through the soft limestone, create a surreal landscape that seems more like a fantasy novel setting than reality.

Minerve’s beauty is matched only by its historical significance. In 1210, the village became the center of a dark chapter in French history. As the stronghold of Cathar resistance during the Albigensian Crusade, Minerve faced a brutal siege led by Simon de Montfort. The siege lasted six weeks, ending in tragedy for the Cathars. (Read more.)